The Ferguson Film cast and crew are back on set doing what they know best – shooting new episodes for the popular Mzansi series The Queen. But, it’s a whole new way of doing business with strict health and safety rules and regulations in place to protect both the actors and those working behind the camera.
So, how do you shoot a tv series with strict social distancing rules in place - and how do you get around those intimate scenes that are part and parcel of a soap opera like The Queen? Truth is, you don’t, only essential crew are allowed on set during filming, wearing face masks of course, and there will no longer be any intimate or close contact scenes between the actors. What you can expect to see is more close up shots and bare backgrounds as extras – those non-talking walk-on parts that fill up empty backgrounds in public area shots – are no longer allowed on set.
Alcohol-based hand-sanitisers, the recording of daily temperatures and possible symptoms, intensive prop cleaning, make up crews wearing plastic face shields at all times – these are just some of the measures that are now the new normal on set. Despite all of this, the cast and crew are committed to bringing their audience quality entertainment in the weeks to come.
The implementation of the national lockdown in March saw a massive number of job losses in the South African film and TV industry so it’s no wonder the Ferguson crew are overjoyed to be back on set.
Take a look at this video posted by Matsunyane showing the cast and crew of The Queen sharing their happiness at being back at work. Matsunyane wrote in the accompanying caption, “Welcome back Ferguson Films. Gratitude for being able to do what we love in a safe environment. Amid all of the changes in the world and our industry at large, we are glad to be shooting again and showing love for our craft whilst we’re maintaining social distancing and sanitary measures of Level 4. Salud, la familia,” she said. (Matsunyane is the daughter of Connie Ferguson.)
The National Film and Video Foundation is currently trying to ascertain the damage to the livelihood of those working in the industry, particularly those who are primarily employed in the independent film sector.
